Dodge unveiled six Last Call models that focused on celebrating the Challenger and Charger legacy, each focusing on a distinct theme. Some focused on celebrating design and style, while others, like the King Daytona and the Black Ghost, put the hammer down on performance. After a long teaser campaign (and engineering challenges), Dodge has saved the best for last, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, the true pinnacle of performance for the Challenger.
SRT Demon 170 Revives The Demon Moniker For One More Ride
When we last saw the Demon a few years ago, it was supposed to be the ultimate expression of performance, with the model making 808 horsepower thanks to special ethanol race fuel. That figure has since been surpassed, but the SRT Demon 170 puts the performance crown back on its demonic head. Performance for the model still comes from the 6.2-liter, supercharged Hellcat V8, but Dodge engineers were not content with a mere 808 hp. Instead, they focused on more tweaks to the engine, which now produces 1,025 hp. The supercharger has been increased in size and is now a 3.0-liter unit versus the outgoing 2.7-liter assembly while the throttle body grows to 105 mm (up from 92 mm). This beefed-up supercharger also helps provide more boost, with the setup now producing 21.3 psi versus the 15.3 psi seen in the Dodge Challenger Widebody Redeye.
The other key ingredient is the E85 racing fuel that allows the SRT Demon 170 to reach its full potential. The engine features a special smart engine management system that senses how much ethanol is in the fuel and adjusts the engine accordingly. Even on E10 fuel, the engine can still produce 900 hp, a noticeable increase over the old Demon. To hit the vaunted 1,025 hp number, the fuel must have at least 65 percent ethanol. An eight-speed automatic continues to be the lone transmission, but it comes with Transbrake 2.0, which benefits from revised programming and allows the driver to go full throttle and then flip a paddle to do lighting fast starts at the dragstrip. For those that are wondering, 0 to 60 is achieved in 1.66 seconds (yes, it’s that quick, folks.)
Finer Details Make This Demon Shine
While the 6.2-liter V8 is the start of the show, The Demon 170 goes far beyond being a Challenger with a nuclear warhead under the hood. The exterior styling is largely shared with the old Demon, but the removal of the wheel flares helped Dodge shed 16 lbs, while new Demon badging now gets yellow eyes to make reference to the E85 race fuel. Drag radials will once again be available but Dodge will also let you swap them out for four-season rubber for inclement weather.
14 different colors will be available, including heritage colors like B5, Plum Crazy, and Sublime Green, with all of them having the ability to be paired with Satin Black graphics for the roof, hood, and spoiler. The interior of the Demon 170 is mainly straightforward, with the base car only coming equipped with a front cloth seat and a rear bench delete along with a rudimentary two-speaker stereo and carpet cloth. Of course, these items can be stripped out to help shed weight. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Dodge will also offer buyers a fully appointed luxury interior with heated and cooled Alcantara and Laguna leather seats, an 18-speaker premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, and an optional sunroof. All of these items add weight but they at least make this hellspawn a bit more tolerable to live with on a day-to-day basis.
Value Quotient
The 2023 Dodge SRT Demon 170 also continues to have a very frosty relationship with the words practicality and fuel economy, but buyers looking to add one to their garage will be greeted with a base price of $96,666. Dodge plans to build 3,300 of them, with 3,000 going to the U.S. while the remaining 300 will be shipped to Canada. That figure is subject to change and will be influenced by production capacity, with Dodge only making the Demon from July to December of 2023. However, the company confirmed that if an owner of an original Demon decides to order this car, they can match the production number on the new car with the number on the original Demon. Dodge will also be combating price markups by putting priority on orders that are sold at factory prices. As a bonus, Demon 170 buyers will get a package that features a special decanter set with the owner’s name and VIN number engraved into it. Whiskey cubes, glasses, and a replica supercharger cover are also part of the package, while the inside cover of the box features an illustration.
This otherworldly car will also mark the final chapter of V8 muscle car performance at Dodge, with the brand moving to an all-electric future previewed by the Challenger SRT Daytona Concept.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.